Bihar STET 2026: Check The Revised Exam Date, Admit Card Details
The Bihar STET exam date has been revised, now the exam will be conducted on November 22, 2026 instead of November 11, 2026. As November 11 has been declared as the public holiday on the account of Bhai Dooj and Chitragupta Puja.
Delhi Building collapse: Death toll rises to 7, rescue operation underway
The death toll in the three-storey building collapse in central Delhi's Hauz Qazi area rose to seven on Sunday after another body was recovered from the debris, with rescue operations underway for more than 70 hours, an official said. The deceased has been identified as Luchhuman Mukhiya, 66, a resident of Bihar's Darbhanga. His body was recovered during the ongoing search and rescue operation at the collapsed structure near Chawri Bazar. The mortal remains have been shifted to LNJP Hospital for further proceedings. With the latest recovery, seven bodies have been pulled out of the rubble so far. Rescue personnel are still searching the debris for any other possible victims. The building collapsed around 9.45 am on November 5, when construction work was underway. The rescue operation has been going on for over 70 hours since the incident. The deceased have been identified as Sanjeet Kumar, Kishori Sah, Pankaj Sharma, Vipin Ram, Shantu, Dinesh Sah and Luchhuman Mukhiya. Four of the
A bridge between past and present
A German publication ranked Bihar Museum among the best in the world.MayankKumarvisits to understand what went into the making of the museum and what visitors think of its contribution to the development of Indian civilization
Four young men on Saturday (November 7, 2026), from Bengaluru, travelled about 2,200 km riding on an old auto-rickshaw to reach Areraj town, in East Champaran
From UP to Bihar, experts dive into 750km survey to count Gangetic dolphins
Campus book clubs open new worlds for students in Patna
Digital burnout draws readers to book clubs in Patna
Bihar NDA partners BJP and JD(U) aim to show unity ahead of Modi's November rally in Vaishali
BJP and JD(U) are collaborating to showcase unity as Prime Minister Modi prepares for his upcoming rally. The rally, scheduled for November 21, will mark a year of NDA governance in Bihar. Tensions arose from the recent MLC elections with accusations regarding BJP's lack of support for JD(U) candidates. Despite internal criticisms, leaders are focusing on ensuring the success of Modi's event.
Over 9,000 Bihar police personnel get higher responsibilities
Early detection key to fighting cancer: Health minister
With no train tickets, Delhi trio takes autorickshaw to Madhubani
43 newly appointed council staff to undergo fresh tests on Nov 18
Land dispute triggers firing in Patna village, six injured; eight detained
Three drug peddlers held with heroin worth Rs 35 lakh, Rs 19.5 lakh cash seizure in Bihar's Kaimur
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 7 (IANS) The Bihar Police on Saturday busted an alleged heroin trafficking network by an operation in Kaimur district, arresting three people, including a woman, and recovering 52.58 grams of heroin worth around Rs 35 lakh. The seizure was made during a raid at a house in the Babu Mohalla area under Kudra police station following a tip-off that heroin was being packaged into smaller quantities for distribution. Mohania Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Gopal Krishna said the Kudra police received confidential information about the illegal activity and immediately formed a team to conduct a raid. The operation was carried out at the residence of local resident Kiran Devi in the presence of a Magistrate, who also serves as the Circle Officer. During the search, police recovered 52.58 grams of heroin and Rs 19,48,012 in cash, suspected to be linked to the illegal drug trade. Three people were arrested from the premises. They have been identified as Kiran Devi, a resident of Ward No. 11 in Kudra, and Mintu Singh and Rajesh Singh, both residents of Karampura Pipra village under Durgawati police station. According to police, three other suspects managed to escape after noticing the arrival of the police team. They have been identified as Gular Singh alias Anchal Singh, Shibu Singh and Jitendra Singh, all residents of the Kudra area. Police said Gular Singh has a criminal history and efforts are underway to trace and arrest all three absconding suspects. The recovery of a substantial amount of cash alongside the narcotics has raised questions about the scale of the alleged trafficking operation and its financial network. Investigators are now examining the source of the seized money, the supply chain of the heroin and the possible involvement of other people in the illegal trade. Mohania SDPO Gopal Krishna said further legal proceedings were underway in connection with the recovery and arrests. Police teams are also conducting raids at suspected locations to apprehend the remaining accused. The investigation is expected to establish the extent of the network, its links with other drug suppliers and the number of people involved in the alleged trafficking operation. The seizure comes amid ongoing efforts by Bihar Police to enforce prohibition laws and curb the illegal narcotics trade in the state.
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 7 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Saturday participated in a grand Deepotsav in Kalyanpur, his home district of Munger, where 11,11,111 earthen lamps were illuminated along the banks of the Ganga a day before Diwali. The Chief Minister inaugurated the event by lighting the first lamp at the premises of the Maa Badi Durga Maharani temple. The grand celebration witnessed considerable public participation, with the riverbank illuminated by thousands of lamps. On the occasion, CM Choudhary offered prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for the prosperity, happiness and well-being of the people of Bihar. He said that Diwali symbolises the victory of truth over falsehood and extended festive greetings to the people of the state. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister announced that construction of an 83-km-long Marine Drive connecting Munger and Bhagalpur would begin within the next two months. He added that soil erosion caused by the Ganga had been damaging agricultural land and crops, affecting farmers in several areas. The proposed Marine Drive is expected to contribute to regional development while addressing some of the challenges faced by the riverbank areas. Referring to the problems associated with the Farakka Barrage and the accumulation of silt in the Ganga, Chief Minister Choudhary said efforts were underway to find a lasting solution. He added that an agreement was reached with the Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on November 2 to utilise silt removed from the Ganga in Bihar for road construction projects. The Chief Minister also said that instructions had been issued to develop arrangements for channelising Ganga water to dams across the state. Highlighting the state government's industrial development agenda, CM Choudhary said efforts were being made to establish industries through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to generate employment opportunities for Bihar's youth within the state. He said his priority was to ensure that young people could find employment in their home state rather than migrate elsewhere in search of a livelihood. Describing himself as a son of Munger, Samrat Choudhary said that he was serving as the Chief Minister of Bihar with the blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Janata Dal-United leader Nitish Kumar. He also thanked the people of Munger district and the Bhagalpur division for their support in the elections.
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CM opens Deepotsav with over 11L lamps
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Five-day winter session of Bihar Vidhan Sabha to begin on Nov 30
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Diwali rush: No seats, packed trains as thousands leave Gurugram for home
A massive rush of people heading home for Diwali led to severe overcrowding at Gurugram's railway and metro stations on Saturday, with packed trains, long queues at bus terminals and many passengers turning to informal transport to reach their destinations. Trains bound for Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Bengal were so overcrowded that there was no standing room available, according to an official. Passengers faced significant challenges boarding the general compartments, with many even squeezing into sleeper coaches. In their desperation to get home, some passengers resorted to travelling while hanging onto the carriage doors. The situation sometimes escalated to physical altercations among passengers, the official added. Throughout the day, teams from the Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force conducted security checks on the platforms and worked to manage the crowds. Four trains passed through Gurugram on Saturday, heading toward Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Bengal, an
Delhi Chawri Bazar Building Collapse: Death Toll Rises To Six
New Delhi: The death toll in the Chawri Bazar building collapse in Old Delhi rose to Six on Saturday after rescue teams recovered another victims body from beneath the debris. The latest victim was identified as 40-year-old Pankaj Sharma, a resident of Hanuman Nagar village in Bihars Khagaria district. The other two deceased have been []
Bihar: Two held in East Champaran for cyber fraud linked to Pakistan
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 7 (IANS) Bihar Police have arrested two men in East Champaran district for allegedly operating a cyber fraud network linked to Pakistani nationals and facilitating suspicious financial transactions through Indian bank accounts and QR codes. The arrests were made during simultaneous raids at two rented houses in the Belisarai area late Saturday. Police recovered two Android mobile phones and five ATM cards from the accused. Digital evidence, including Pakistani WhatsApp numbers, suspicious conversations and financial transaction records, was also found on their mobile phones. Superintendent of Police (SP) Swarn Prabhat on Saturday said a special police team led by Sadar SDPO-1 Dilip Kumar conducted the raids around 1:20 a.m. on Saturday following a tip-off. According to preliminary investigations, the accused were allegedly in contact with Pakistani nationals and were operating under their instructions. They reportedly received money into Indian bank accounts through QR codes and subsequently transferred the funds to other accounts. During the examination of their mobile phones, police discovered WhatsApp numbers linked to Pakistan and suspicious conversations indicating their alleged involvement in the financial network. The accused have been identified as Pankaj Gupta, a resident of Semmuapur under Dumariyaghat police station, and Raju Kushwaha alias Raju Kumar Bhagat (22), a resident of Shyampur Barwa under Sangrampur police station. Both were staying in rented accommodation in Belisarai. Police recovered five ATM cards, including three issued by Federal Bank, one by IDFC First Bank and one by Bank of India. The cards were registered in the names of Raju Kumar and Raju Kumar Bhagat. Investigators suspect that the bank accounts were being used to receive and withdraw money generated through cyber fraud before transferring it elsewhere. The seized mobile phones and ATM cards have been sent for further examination. Police are also analysing the bank accounts, transaction records and digital communications to establish the scale of the suspected operation. The investigation is focused on identifying the Pakistani contacts, tracing the financial transactions, determining the total amount routed through the accounts and establishing whether the network had connections across multiple states. Police are also examining the possible involvement of other individuals in the racket. The raiding team included Sadar DSP-1 Dilip Kumar, Inspector Rajiv Ranjan, Sub-Inspectors K.V. Hanumanta, Santosh Kumar and Satish Kumar, along with Jamadar Bhim Yadav, female constable Putul Kumari and other police personnel. Further investigation is underway to establish the complete network and identify its alleged masterminds.
Diwali rush: Over 8.20 lakh passengers travel in six days; Western Railway runs 73 special trains
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Nov 7 (IANS) More than 8.20 lakh passengers travelled from stations under the Ahmedabad Division of Western Railway in the first six days of November, prompting the railway administration to deploy additional staff, set up holding areas and operate 73 special train trips to manage the festive rush during Diwali and Chhath Puja. Between November 1 and 6, the division recorded 4.55 lakh passengers travelling on unreserved tickets and 3.65 lakh on reserved tickets. Ahmedabad Railway Station accounted for more than 3.20 lakh passengers, followed by Sabarmati with 1.30 lakh and Asarwa with around 50,000. Together, the three stations handled more than five lakh passengers during the six days. To meet the additional demand, Western Railway is operating 73 special train trips from the Ahmedabad Division during November to destinations across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and other states. The services are being operated from Ahmedabad, Sabarmati, Asarwa, Bhuj and Gandhidham, connecting passengers to cities including Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Mumbai, Prayagraj, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Barauni, Rajgir, Jaipur, Haridwar and Bhagalpur. Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Ved Prakash visited Ahmedabad Railway Station late at night and remained there with railway officials to oversee arrangements for passengers travelling during the festive season. He inspected the holding areas and other facilities and interacted with passengers heading to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to enquire about their travel experience. He also extended Chhath Puja greetings and appealed to them to board trains in an orderly manner. Passengers raised slogans of 'Chhath Maiya Ki Jai' alongside the DRM and appreciated the arrangements. They said that after waiting for some time, they were allowed to board trains in an organised manner, allowing them to proceed towards their hometowns. Special holding areas have been set up at Ahmedabad and Sabarmati stations to prevent overcrowding on platforms. Seating, drinking water, lighting and fans have been provided at these locations for passengers waiting for their trains. The division has also arranged food packets, water bottles, chips and biscuits for general-class passengers. Voluntary organisations and NGOs are assisting in distributing food and drinking water. Additional cleaning staff have been deployed, while water coolers and other drinking water facilities are being monitored regularly. For security and crowd management, additional Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel, ticket-checking staff and other railway employees have been deployed. CCTV cameras are being used to monitor station premises, platforms and crowded areas. Particular attention is being paid to regulating passenger movement at entry and exit gates, foot overbridges and platforms. A dedicated war room has also been set up in the control building at the DRM's office to monitor passenger movement and train operations round the clock. During his inspection, Prakash reviewed CCTV surveillance, real-time crowd management, passenger movement on platforms, holding areas and queue-based boarding arrangements. He directed officials to coordinate immediately through the war room and take necessary action in the event of excessive crowding or passenger inconvenience at any station. Information about special train services, schedules and passenger facilities is being disseminated through electronic display boards, public announcement systems and social media. Train operations and punctuality are also being monitored regularly. The division has appealed to passengers to follow railway guidelines, maintain discipline on station premises and reach stations sufficiently ahead of their scheduled train departure times.
Delhi: Six dead in Hauz Qazi building collapse; three contractors arrested
The death toll in the building collapse incident in Delhi's Chawri Bazar area has risen to six, with all the deceased identified, officials said on Saturday. The six deceased have been identified as Sanjeet Kumar, Kishori Sah, Pankaj Sharma, Vipin Ram, Shantu and Dinesh Sah, according to the latest update issued during the ongoing rescue operations at the collapse site, according to the police. Five of the deceased hailed from Bihar, while Vipin Ram was a resident of Saket Block in Mandawali, Fazilpur, Delhi. On Thursday, the three-storey under-construction building collapsed at Gali Sheesh Mahal, Gali Shehatara, near Ajmeri Gate, in Old Delhi's Chawri Bazar area at around 10:30 am. Three contractors have been arrested in connection with the collapse of an under-construction building in Delhi's Chawri Bazar area, which claimed two lives, as rescue operations continued on Friday to locate people feared trapped beneath the debris, Delhi Police said. The arrested contractors have been ide...
CM Samrat Choudhary also asked to ensure special cleanliness drives, security measures, and 24-hour patrolling at railway stations, bus stands, and Chhath ghats
Car-tanker collision kills man, daughter in Buxar
Buxar administration asks officials to take steps for easing traffic congestion
Ancient idols stolen from Saran temple
'Poor Biharis don't know anything': Cong's Rajendra Pal Gautam hits back at BJP chief Nabin
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 7 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Congress In-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam on Saturday launched a sharp attack on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Nitin Nabin, alleging that he was merely reading out a script handed to him and remarking that poor Biharis don't know anything. Gautam's remarks came after Nabin, in an exclusive interview with IANS, accused Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, of being used as an instrument to destabilise the country and create unrest, alleging that the Congress leader was acting as part of a foreign toolkit. Speaking to IANS, Gautam said, These poor Biharis do not know anything. They simply read out the scripts handed to them. Taking his criticism further, the Congress leader accused BJP leaders of being incapable of acting independently and levelled allegations against them over the handling of religious offerings made in the name of Lord Ram. They (BJP leaders) are incapable of doing anything on their own. They are people who steal offerings. They have betrayed people's faith. They came to power in the name of Lord Ram and then stole offerings made in his name. So, whose interests do they serve? We do not take them seriously, Gautam said. Earlier, Nitin Nabin referred to remarks made by a Congress Minister, who had claimed that LoP Rahul Gandhi had complete control over the emote button and could mobilise 40 lakh people to create anarchy in the country whenever he wanted. You saw how a Congress Minister said that Rahul Gandhi has complete control over the remote button and that, whenever he wants, 40 lakh people are ready to create anarchy in the country. I believe this clearly confirms what we have been saying from the beginning -- that Rahul Gandhi is being used as a toolkit to destabilise the country and create anarchy, Nabin said. The BJP President also alleged that LoP Gandhi did not understand the strength of India's democratic institutions and traditions. Rahul Gandhi does not have a clue that our country is a lot different from other nations. The democratic roots of this nation are strong, he said. If people with such nefarious mindsets, or those who have become instruments of foreign toolkits, think that they can destabilise India or spread chaos, they are mistaken, Nabin added. The democracy of this nation knows how to respond to individuals with such anarchic and Maoist-leaning mindsets. Rahul Gandhi might have tried to spread anarchy, but this country will give a fitting response to it, he said.
Missing Constable Found Dead In Bihar River
A police constable, Dhaneshwar, who went missing two days prior during a confrontation with suspected drug smugglers in Jehanabad, Bihar, was found dead in the Dardha river. His service pistol, mobile phone, ring, and wallet were recovered intact with his body, and the exact cause of death awaits post-mortem results.
Crackdown on 352 Bihar B.Ed Colleges: NCTE Annual PAR Mandatory
Bihar 125 Free Power Opt-Out: Discoms Must Overhaul Billing Software
Ahead of Diwali, air pollution rises to hazardous levels in Bihar; Buxar records AQI of 441
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 7 (IANS) Diwali celebrations have triggered a sharp deterioration in air quality across Bihar, with firecracker emissions pushing pollution levels to alarming proportions in several cities. Buxar recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 441, placing it in the extremely poor range and posing serious health risks to residents. Continuous bursting of firecrackers during the festival of lights has released large quantities of smoke and harmful particulate matter into the atmosphere, further worsening the already critical pollution situation across the state. According to available air quality data, several major cities in Bihar recorded dangerously high AQI levels. Bettiah registered an AQI of 364, Motihari 357, Sasaram 326, Siwan 326 and Muzaffarpur 325. Other cities also reported elevated pollution levels, with Darbhanga recording an AQI of 300, Samastipur 289, Bhagalpur 268 and the state capital, Patna, 248. The readings indicate widespread deterioration in air quality during Diwali celebrations. However, AQI figures may vary depending on the monitoring platform and the time of measurement. In Patna, residents are facing considerable discomfort due to the combination of existing pollution and additional smoke generated by firecrackers. The situation is particularly concerning for people suffering from respiratory ailments, asthma and other health conditions. Apart from deteriorating air quality, firecracker explosions have also contributed to noise pollution, with high-decibel sounds causing discomfort to elderly people, children and those suffering from various health problems. Environmental expert Raj Kumar Jha said parents should take responsibility for discouraging children from bursting firecrackers and exposing themselves to polluted air for extended periods. Children learn from the environment they experience at home. Parents should discourage them from spending long hours outdoors bursting firecrackers. No matter how much effort the government makes, pollution cannot be controlled without public cooperation, Jha said. He also questioned the effectiveness of the administration's pollution-control measures, particularly the practice of sprinkling water on roads in selected areas. Spraying water on roads and focusing only on a few VIP areas will not solve the problem. There is an urgent need to address pollution, garbage, contaminated water and open drains in localities such as Saristabad and Gardanibagh, he said. He stressed that pollution control requires sustained efforts rather than temporary measures undertaken during festivals. The sharp rise in pollution levels has once again highlighted the need for greater public awareness and collective responsibility. With air pollution emerging as a serious public health concern across Bihar, the challenge now lies in balancing festive celebrations with environmental protection and the right of citizens to breathe clean air.
BPBCC Junior Engineer Recruitment 2026
Bihar Police Building Construction Corporation (BPBCC) has released Notification No. HQ 3783 for the recruitment of 18 Junior Engineer (Civil) posts. Eligible candidates can submit their offline applications till 25 November 2026. Further details are available at bpbcc.bihar.gov.in.
BRS' Sunder Raj Yadav welcomes Bihar
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader Sunder Raj Yadav on Saturday welcomed the Bihar Education Department
Chawri Bazar building collapse: Death toll rises to 3 as another body found
The toll in the three-storey building collapse in Old Delhi's Hauz Qazi area rose to three on Saturday after the body of another labourer was recovered from the debris during the ongoing rescue operations, officials said. The deceased has been identified as Pankaj Sharma (40), a resident of Hanuman Nagar village in Bihar's Khagaria district, they said. After nearly 48 hours of operation at the site, five people have been pulled out of the debris -- three dead and two injured persons. Both injured persons have received medical treatment and are stable. The building under construction collapsed in Gali Sitara near Chawri Bazar Metro station around 9.45 am on Thursday. The operation to find more people and clear the rubble continued at the site. Around 10 to 15 labourers were present at the construction site when the three-storey structure came crashing down, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Rohit Rajbir Singh had said. Earlier, two labourers, identified as Kishori (40) and .
Youth found dead in Jammus Miran Sahib
Jammu, Nov 07: A 23-year-old youth was found dead inside his rented room in the Miran Sahib area of Jammu district on Saturday morning, officials said. An official said that the youth was found dead inside his rented accommodation in Miran Sahib, Jammu. He was immediately shifted to Government Hospital, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, where doctors declared him brought dead. The deceased has been identified as Chander (23), a native of Bihar who was residing in Jammu. Meanwhile, cognizance of the incident has been taken up.(KNO)
One more body recovered from Delhi building collapse site, death toll rises to three
The death toll in the Delhi Chawri Bazar building collapse rose to 3 on Saturday after rescue workers recovered the mortal remains of another victim from the debris, police said. The deceased has been identified as 40-year-old Pankaj Sharma, a resident of Village Hanuman Nagar in Bihar's Khagaria district. With this latest recovery, a total of five individuals have been accounted for from the collapse site, comprising three fatalities and two injured persons. The other two deceased have been identified as Kishori, aged 40, and Sanjeet, aged 45. Both injured persons have received medical treatment and are now stable. Further rescue operations are still underway at the site, according to Delhi Police. The three-storey under-construction building collapsed at Gali Sheesh Mahal, Gali Shehatara, near Ajmeri Gate, in Old Delhi's Chawri Bazar area at around 10:30 am on Thursday. Two people were killed, and five others sustained injuries in the incident. Three contractors have been arrested in...
Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma to play SMAT, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi named Bihar captain
Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami have been named in Delhi and Bengal squads, respectively, for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scheduled to begin on November 14. On the other hand, young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi...
BPSC 71st Combined Main Examination Results Announced
The Bihar Public Service Commission has released the results for the 71st Combined Main Examination, with 3,392 candidates qualifying for the next interview stage. Candidates can download their results from the official BPSC website. The article provides a step-by-step guide on how to access the results and encourages candidates to stay updated on interview dates. Congratulations to all successful candidates!
Mumbai: KBC Season 8 contestant arrested for alleged jewellery theft in Kandivli
A 42-year-old computer science graduate from Bihar, who once appeared on Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 8, was arrested by Mumbai's Kandivli police for allegedly stealing a gold chain worth Rs 5 lakh. Police said business losses and mounting debt allegedly drove him to target jewellery shops
Maldivian President Pushes for Revival of SAARC
The President of the Maldives, Mohammed Muizzu, made another call for the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) during his visit to Pakistan on October 21, 2026. Bangladesh, under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has also called for the revival of SAARC. The idea has received support from experts and public intellectuals concerned about the welfare of people living in the region. The Government of India responded to these remarks by stating that Pakistan was stymieing the grouping. The Promotion of BIMSTEC as an alternative to SAARC is an exercise in diplomatic shortsightedness. Equally shortsighted is the idea of reviving SAARC without India. Countries in the region have little to lose but much to gain if the SAARC platform is revived. The 19th SAARC Summit was scheduled to be hosted in Islamabad from November 15 to 19, 2016, but was indefinitely postponed amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. On the positive side, however, relations between India and Pakistan have not completely broken down on all fronts. Indias External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, visited Pakistan on October 1516, 2024, to attend the 23rd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government and thanked Pakistan for its hospitality. India also participated in the planning session of the SCO Council of National Coordinators in Islamabad from September 28 to 30, 2026.The two countries completed their 35th consecutive exchange of lists of nuclear installations and facilities on January 1, 2026. The hotlines between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) remain active, and the ceasefire is also holding. Furthermore, the statement made by RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale on improving people-to-people contact between India and Pakistan was a welcome development. Many experts consider the RSS as Indias deeper state, influencing relations with Pakistan. Be that as it may, three immediate factors have a bearing on the revival of SAARC. Weighing Three Factors First, the dominant view in India is that containing terrorism emanating from Pakistan is the magic bullet for rescuing bilateral relations and bringing them back to normalcy. Diplomat Ajay Bisaria argues that Indias instincts were primarily economic, and Indias relationship with its neighbours was focused on providing security for the Indian economy to grow and preserving the economic gains already made. This is quite understandable and reasonable for any major economy but is not exclusive to India. This instinct is now fairly widespread across the countries of the region. There is a growing consensus that terrorism poses a threat to the social and economic stability of countries and that SAARC, as a regional forum, can be employed to combat it. According to the think tank PISCES, Pakistan alone witnessed 225 militant attacks in a single year up to September 2026. Therefore, the way forward lies in greater cooperation among states and a deeper process of introspection within societies. Second, the China factor is also influencing the prospects for the growth and revival of SAARC. China enjoys observer status in SAARC, while India has opposed its full membership of the organisation. Indias unilateral military actions have prompted Pakistan to seek even greater strategic proximity to China, particularly through the acquisition of Chinese military equipment and technology. The clashes between India and Pakistan in May laid bare the consequences of this policy. One consequence of such a scenario is that Indias strategic autonomy in the region is constrained, resulting in the ceding of strategic space to China. There are indications that Pakistan is signalling to both the United States and China that it no longer wishes to be a client state. In 2022, Pakistan released its first-ever National Security Policy, which emphasised that the country should resist joining geopolitical camps. The weakening of the pro-India lobby in Pakistan is also a matter of concern. Third, there are sections of opinion in Pakistan that believe India will always prefer to engage with a weak Pakistan rather than the Pakistan that exists today. Former Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit recently claimed at a seminar in Pakistan that the countrys international profile had risen and that India would therefore prefer disengagement. Some India watchers in Pakistan also point to unilateralism in Indias domestic and regional politics, along with its alleged disregard for international norms and agreements, as factors contributing to growing mistrust. In light of the above discussion, it is important to examine the perspectives of the scholarly community on the challenges confronting South Asia. Scholars Speak Friend and colleague, Happymon Jacob, who has considerable expertise in Indian foreign policy, argues in his essay, The End of South Asia: A Region in Name Only, published in Foreign Affairs on July 22, 2024, that the dream of South Asia as a cohesive region is over, with significant implications for subcontinental geopolitics that policymakers and analysts have yet to fully grasp. He writes that the reality of Indias centrality has meant that New Delhi does not always recognise the value of building regional structures, as such structures cannot add much to the predominance India already enjoys in the region. Although several Indian Prime Ministers have recognised the merits of SAARC, the Indian bureaucracy and strategic establishment have never been fully convinced of its value. They have long feared that the creation of regional structures could potentially constrain Indias dominance in its neighbourhood. Nepal-based scholar Kanak Mani Dixit, finds Jacobs thesis problematic for more than one reason. He believes that Jacobs pronouncement on the death of South Asia appears to serve the interests of nation-statism, which cannot adequately manage the vast geography and multiplicity of identities that characterise South Asia. Mr Dixit further argues that Jacobs views will please those who wish to exercise centralised authority, ranging from generals in Islamabad to autocratic politicians in Kabul and Colombo, as well as dominant lobbies in New Delhi. True South Asian regionalism has not evolved to a point where the nation-state can function to the satisfaction of the people living in the region. However, we are yet to find an effective institutional mechanism to address inter-state disputes. It would therefore be incorrect to argue that regionalism in South Asia can begin or end with SAARC. The two need to be differentiated. The late Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singhs longing for a day when he could have breakfast in Amritsar, lunch in Lahore and dinner in Kabul remains a compelling vision and is not beyond achievement. The precondition for realising this vision is that peoples power must be unleashed and mobilised in the service of humane regionalism in South Asia. The corporate sector, too, is not averse to such thinking. At one-point, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee nominated R.K. Mishra, a former journalist and a close associate of Dhirubhai Ambani, who headed the Reliance conglomerate. Reliance had an additional stake in India-Pakistan peace, as it had invested in a refinery in Jamnagar, Gujarat, close to the Pakistan border. Against this backdrop, it needs to be emphasised that the absence of a regional platform and the growing hesitation among SAARC countries to engage with one another have created a vacuum. This vacuum is increasingly being filled by religious radicalism and internal insecurity across the region. The road ahead remains uncertain. The Road Ahead First, without mutual accommodation between India and Pakistan, the revival of SAARC is inconceivable. Pakistan cannot be dismissed as a strategic entity. All major powers, including the United States, China, Russia and Turkey, engage with Pakistan, even when India chooses to remain disengaged. Foreign policy expert Kanti Bajpai believes that Pakistan is strategically attractive for three reasons: its location, its power and its capacity to disrupt. With approximately half a million personnel in uniform and roughly 200 nuclear warheads, Pakistan remains Indias strategic competitor. It reportedly possesses more nuclear warheads than India. By 2050, Pakistan is projected to become the worlds third-most populous country, after China and India. There is no way to peace but peace is the way. Second, by keeping SAARC in limbo, India risks pushing even Bangladesh towards a more adversarial regional posture. To borrow the expression of Sajeeb Wazed, son of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh risks becoming another Pakistan on Indias eastern front. Indias former Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, recently observed that there could be a convergence of interests among China, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Bangladeshs Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, has called for a Bangladesh First policy to guide his government. He has not visited India despite an invitation from the Indian Prime Minister. Bangladesh is also reportedly reviewing around 101 bilateral agreements with India. Finally, we, the people of Junoobi Asia (South Asia), need to think about the future generations who will inhabit this part of the world. India, as a major regional power, can offer ideas and solutions to the challenges confronting the region. Genuine regional leadership demands the capacity to generate ideas, build consensus and deliver tangible solutions. By adopting such an approach, India can enhance its regional influence and strengthen its position as a responsible regional power. During recent India-Pakistan Track II meetings, the dangers posed by climate change got focussed attention. Climate change can severely degrade critical sectors, including water and electricity, transportation networks and supply chains. South Asia can draw lessons from the legally binding ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response which is founded on cooperation and mutual trust. A similar framework could serve South Asia well, provided that the sovereignty of individual SAARC members is respected. The revival of SAARC is the way forward. The author is a Kashmir-based political scientist.
CM asks officials to release salaries before Diwali
In a landmark domestic cricket update, 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been appointed as Bihars captain for their opening two matches of the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2026. Sooryavanshi will lead the state side in Indore against Saurashtra on 14 November and Railways on 16 November. The decision comes after regular skipper [] The post Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Named Bihar Captain for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Opener; Nitish Rana Dropped from Delhi Squad appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
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Vaibhav Suryavanshi Appointed Bihar Captain For Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026; Check Full Squad
New batting star Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been named as the captain of the Bihar senior cricket team in the first two games of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026. This is going to be Suryavanshi's first experience in leading a senior
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Gets Senior Team Captaincy, Will Lead Bihar In SMAT
Sooryavanshi's appointment comes days after Sachin Tendulkar questioned his elevation to a leadership role in the Duleep Trophy.
Why Integrity of Election Commission is Critical to Save the Constitution and Democracy in India
THE FRAMERS OF THE constitution recognised the paramount significance of free and fair elections for sustaining democracy and seeking mandate of people for governance of India. Now wonder that much later the conduct of free and fair elections was recognised as the basic structure of the Constitution. The members of the Constituent Assembly were acutely conscious of the possibility that the government of the day might influence the electoral process to secure its own political and partisan interests. Consequently, the Constituent Assembly sought to separate the functions of political governance and electoral administration. This marked a departure from the framework under the Government of India Act, 1935, which did not envisage an independent, all-India constitutional body to supervise elections. ECI and Legislative Intent of Constituent Assembly Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, during the debate on Article 289 of the draft Constitution (now Article 324) on 15 June 1949, observed: In the interests of purity and freedom of elections to the legislative bodies, it was of the utmost importance that they should be freed from any kind of interference from the executive of the day. Although the Assembly eventually decided not to place the provision concerning elections in the Fundamental Rights Chapter, there was little disagreement about the underlying and paramount principle: the conduct of elections had to be insulated from executive interference. The Assembly aspired to establish an impartial institution that would inspire confidence across political parties and communities. However, these aspirations were accompanied by apprehensions about how such independence could be secured in practice. Article 289 contemplated that the President would appoint the Chief Election Commissioner and such other Election Commissioners as might be considered necessary. Members, however, questioned whether presidential appointment would genuinely guarantee independence because the President as per constitutional mandate would act on the advice of the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister. Prof. Shibban Lal Saxena, seeking to address this concern, suggested that appointments of the Election Commissioners be approved by a two-thirds majority in a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament. Such a requirement, he argued, would foster cross-party consensus and prevent a single ruling party from imposing its preferred candidate. He also raised a second concern: since Article 289 did not prescribe qualifications for appointment as Chief Election Commissioner or Election Commissioner, there was no constitutional assurance that the appointee would possess the necessary competence, independence or integrity. Ambedkar himself cautioned: There is no use making the tenure of the Election Commissioner a fixed and secure tenure if there is no provision in the Constitution to prevent either a fool or a knave or a person who is likely to be under the thumb of the Executive. Pandit Hriday Nath Kunzru echoed these concerns and proposed that Parliament regulate appointments through legislation. Ultimately, on 16 June 1949, the Assembly adopted Article 289 with amendments. It became Article 324 of the Constitution, vesting the superintendence, direction and control of elections in the Election Commission. The debates reveal that the framers were concerned not merely with the existence of an Election Commission, but with the conditions necessary to make it genuinely independent. Golden Jubilee of ECI Celebrated its High Credibility The Election Commission of India (ECI) was established on 25 January 1950, a day before the Constitution came into force. Over the decades, it acquired a reputation as an institution capable of conducting elections on an extraordinary scale and, for much of its history, commanding public confidence. At the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the ECI on January 17, 2001 , former President K.R. Narayanan ( http://www.krnarayanan.in/html/speeches/others/jan17_01.htm ) acknowledged the institutions phenomenal contributions to Indian democracy. He commended the fact that both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition were present to pay tribute to the Commission, observing that their presence itself demonstrated the honoured position it occupied in Indias political structure. For that moment, they were in spite of being political adversaries had a shared vision of ECI as an independent institution meant to serve democracy on a bipartisan basis. SIR and Questions raised on Integrity of ECI Twenty-five years later, the picture is considerably different. ECI, once an institution that commanded respect and integrity, which had been the product of the careful craft and dogged determination of the Constituent Assembly, faces questions about its impartiality. Streets across India have witnessed protests by opposition groups, student organisations and civil society members against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the conduct of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. A central concern surrounding the SIR exercise has been the possibility that genuine voters could be removed from electoral rolls, resulting in mass disenfranchisement. Critics have particularly raised concerns about the alleged misuse of Form 7 to object to existing voter registrations, with women and minority communities among those said to be disproportionately affected. A report published by The Indian Express on 23 September 2026 (https://indianexpress.com/article/express-exclusive/election-commission-sir-14-objections-gyanesh-kumar-sukhbir-singh-sandhu-vivek-joshi-10889737/ )brought these concerns into sharper focus by documenting objections reportedly raised by the other two Election Commissioners to the manner in which CEC Kumar had handled aspects of the SIR process. These included unauthorized changes to Form 6, the centralisation of access to the voter database and the exclusion of other Commissioners from important decisions. The report has raised questions not only about the conduct of the revision exercise, but also about transparency and decision-making within the Commission itself. Tracing Erosion of ECIs Credibility The erosion of public trust in the ECI, however, has been gradual; it has not emerged out of the blue. It can be traced, at least in part, to a series of controversies that have accumulated over the years. In 2017, the Commission came under scrutiny for announcing the Assembly election schedule for Himachal Pradesh without simultaneously announcing the dates for Gujarat, departing from the convention of announcing elections in the two states together. Critics questioned whether the delay could benefit the ruling party in Gujarat. In 2018, the ECI's recommendation to disqualify twenty Aam Aadmi Party MLAs for allegedly holding offices of profit was set aside by the Delhi High Court, which held that the process had violated the principles of natural justice because the MLAs had not been given an adequate opportunity of hearing. Thereafter, in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, opposition parties raised allegations of EVM manipulation, while civil society groups expressed concern that the ECI was not adequately responding to public queries and suggestions. The Commission was also accused of selectively addressing violations of the Model Code of Conduct, particularly after it gave clean chits to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah despite the dissenting opinions of Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa, which were not reflected in the final orders. Concerns over transparency also arose from alleged discrepancies between votes polled and votes counted, with the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Common Cause approaching the Supreme Court in 2019 and ADR raising similar concerns after the 2024 elections. Further, the ECI was accused of favouring BJP-aligned factions in disputes over party names and election symbols, particularly following the splits in the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party, by relying on legislative strength disregarding the extent of support such splits received at wider levels of organisations. Collectively, these controversies have raised questions about the Commissions neutrality, accountability and credibility as an independent constitutional body. The SIR controversy is perhaps the most serious flashpoint in this gradual erosion of trust. There is a peculiar irony in the protests against the SIR of electoral rolls: one of the most visible large-scale mobilisations in independent India explicitly centred on protecting the very right to vote that the Constitution had made a foundational premise of Indian democracy. When the Constituent Assembly adopted universal adult franchise, it made a remarkably ambitious choice: political participation would not be conditional upon property ownership, education, wealth or social standing. Unlike the early United States, where voting qualifications in several states restricted the franchise to men meeting property or tax-paying requirements, India began its constitutional life by recognising the political equality of its adult citizens. The Assemblys confidence in universal suffrage was, in itself, an extraordinary act of faith in ordinary Indians. Agitations Defending Right To Vote Yet, decades later, Rahul Gandhis Voter Adhikar Yatra through Bihar in AugustSeptember 2025, protesting the alleged disenfranchisement of eligible voters through SIR, brought people onto the streets to defend a right that was supposed to be secure for every adult citizen. This irony is also a reminder that the right to vote is the means through which citizens exercise control over the institutions that determine their access to education, healthcare, employment, welfare and justice and not only an isolated political entitlement. When a person loses their political voice, they also risk losing an important means of demanding these other rights. Martin Luther Kings Straggle for Right to Vote Martin Luther King Jr., in his 1957 address Give Us the Ballot , captured this interdependence when he declared: Give us the ballot, and we will no longer have to worry the federal government about our basic rights. The SIR protests, therefore, concern the preservation of political equality and the ability of ordinary citizens to hold the State accountable. There is something deeply unsettling about having to take to the streets to demand the protection of a right that the framers had entrusted to every adult citizen. The Issue of Right to Protest The Central Government and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party have accused protesters, primarily those mobilising under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and supported by opposition parties such as the Congress, of engaging in political agitation and violence rather than seeking genuine grievance redressal. However, it is important to recognise that protests demanding an impartial and accountable Election Commission are not necessarily expressions of hostility towards the constitutional establishment. They can, instead, be expressions of faith in the Constitution itself. To question an institution's functioning is not necessarily to reject its legitimacy; it may be to insist that the institution live up to the constitutional purpose for which it was created. The Supreme Court recognised this democratic significance of protest in Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan v. Union of India (2018). While considering restrictions on demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, the Court recognised that peaceful demonstrations through which citizens air their grievances and ensure that these grievances reach the relevant authorities are protected under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b) of the Constitution. Importantly, the Court described legitimate dissent as a distinguishing feature of democracy. It also recognised that the right to protest must be balanced against the rights of other citizens and the requirements of public order. There is, therefore, a fundamental difference between challenging the legitimacy of constitutional democracy and demanding that constitutional institutions fulfil their responsibilities. Peaceful protest, when directed towards restoring the integrity of those institutions, can be an exercise in constitutional faith rather than constitutional defiance. Significance of Peoples Struggle for Right to Vote As mentioned earlier President Narayanan while inaugurating the golden jubilee celebrations of the Election Commission of India in 2001 observed that elections had aroused the hopes and aspirations of the unempowered sections of society. He was speaking of the extraordinary promise of universal adult suffrage: the promise that every citizen, irrespective of their social or economic position, would have a voice in the making of the Republic. Perhaps the people taking to the streets today are seeking to preserve and defend precisely that promise. The framers placed their faith in the people by entrusting every adult citizen with the vote; the people, in turn, are asking the institutions created by those framers to remain worthy of that faith. Framers of our Constitution trusted every adult citizen with the power to give shape to our democracy and fashion the destiny of our country. The leaders of the political regime at the centre operating the apparatus of the Indian State must also have the humility to listen when those very citizens take to the streets to defend the ECIs integrity which has been tragically has been eroding.
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MANUU students on hunger strike demanding NCAHP recognition
Hyderabad: I come from a farming family in Bihar. Families like mine do not encourage girls to get an education. I had to fight my way out, says a vocational training student at the Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) in Hyderabad. With lots of convincing and reassurance of a better future, her family finally Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's meteoric rise continues as Bihar hand him captaincy at 15
At just 15 years old, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been named the captain of the senior cricket team for Bihar. The Bihar Cricket Association revealed the squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, featuring 17 players, with Suraj Kashyap as vice-captain. The team's journey kicks off on November 14, following Sooryavanshi's standout performances in both the Indian Premier League and international T20 cricket.
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Bihar court convicts husband of murdering pregnant wife; acquits mother-in-law
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 6 (IANS) A court in Bihar's Bagaha has convicted a man of murdering his pregnant wife in a dowry-related case, while acquitting his mother-in-law due to a lack of evidence. The court of Additional District Judge (ADJ)-IV Manvendra Mishra found Pramod Yadav alias Bhutti Yadav guilty of murdering his wife, Sandhya Yadav. The court has fixed November 20, 2026, for hearing arguments on the quantum of sentence. Assistant Public Prosecutor (APP) Manu Rao said the conviction was based on witness testimonies and other evidence presented by the prosecution during the trial. According to the prosecution, Sandhya was pregnant at the time of her murder, and the unborn child also lost its life in the incident. The victim was pregnant at the time of the murder. Consequently, along with Sandhya, the child in her womb also lost its life. The court has found her husband, Pramod Yadav alias Bhutti Yadav, guilty in the case, Rao said. According to the case details, Garbhan Yadav, a resident of Anrahwa Nauka Tola under Padrauna police station in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar district, married his 23-year-old daughter, Sandhya, to Pramod Yadav of Chankuhwa village under Piprasi police station in Bihar's West Champaran district on June 5, 2025, according to Hindu rituals. However, shortly after the marriage, Sandhya allegedly began facing harassment from her husband and in-laws over dowry demands. Her husband reportedly visited her parental home and demanded an additional Rs 2 lakh as dowry. The case took a tragic turn on September 11, 2025, when her family received information around 4 a.m. that Sandhya was unwell. When her relatives reached her matrimonial home, they allegedly found that she had been murdered. Following the incident, a case was registered against her husband, mother-in-law Leelavati Devi, brother-in-law and sister-in-law. During the trial, the prosecution presented witness statements and other evidence to establish the husband's involvement in the crime. The court convicted Pramod Yadav under Sections 103(1) and 91 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), while acquitting him of the remaining charges. His mother-in-law, Leelavati Devi, was acquitted of the charges due to insufficient evidence. Pramod Yadav is currently lodged in judicial custody. The court will hear arguments on the quantum of sentence on November 20, when the punishment to be awarded to the convicted man will be determined.
SMAT: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi appointed Bihar captain
At 15, he is set for his first captaincy stint in official cricket
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Named Bihar Captain For Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
Bihar are in Group B alongside Delhi, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Railways, Saurashtra and Tamil Nadu
Teenage Run Machine Sooryavanshi Gets Captaincy Call
Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been appointed captain of Bihar's senior team for the initial two matches of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, starting November 14. Suraj Kashyap will serve as vice-captain. Sooryavanshi, known for his IPL and India T20I performances, will lead Bihar in Group B, with their first match against Saurashtra in Indore.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to captain Bihar at 15, leads Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to captain Bihar at 15, leads Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad
Train enroute to Bengal catches fire in Punjab, all passengers escape unhurt
Digital Desk | Patiala, Nov 6 (IANS) A major tragedy was averted in Punjab on Friday after four coaches of the Karmabhoomi Express, which was enroute to West Bengal, caught fire near Sarai Banjara in Patiala district, officials said. All passengers of the Express train escaped unhurt. Ambala Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Vinod Kumar Bhatia told reporters that the train was travelling from Amritsar to New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. He said: The fire incident was reported between Rajpura and Sadhu Garh railway stations. When the loco pilot and guard noticed automatic chain pulling (ACP) and dropping of pressure, they quickly brought the train under control. After getting down, they noticed fire and smoke and immediately took precautions. Bhatia added that all the passengers were evacuated and the affected coaches were isolated to prevent the fire from spreading to other coaches. As soon as the guard informed our control room, we regulated and controlled the trains on the other line as well, he said. The DRM also said that initially, one coach was affected, but as strong winds were blowing at the time of the incident, the fire spread to other coaches. A total of four coaches were affected. No one was injured and there were no casualties, he added. A similar incident was reported from Bihar in August, when a massive fire broke out on the Samastipur-Saharsa Passenger train (63344) at Simri Bakhtiyarpur railway station in the state's Saharsa district. The incident triggered panic among passengers and railway staff. According to information, the fire started near the train's middle engine and rapidly spread to three coaches. Thick smoke and towering flames created a chaotic situation at the station. A large number of passengers were travelling on the train when the fire broke out. As soon as they noticed the flames, passengers began getting off the coaches. A potentially serious tragedy was averted as all passengers reportedly managed to evacuate safely. After receiving information about the fire, multiple fire tenders and railway officials reached the station. Firefighters launched an immediate operation and eventually brought the blaze under control.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Handed Captaincy Role In BCCI's National T20 Tournament
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been named the captain of the senior Bihar men's team. He will lead the side in their first two matches of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
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Patna encounter: Misa Bharti demands impartial probe; families of three deceased stage protest
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 6 (IANS) After the encounter of three individuals in Patna's Maner area, Misa Bharti, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Lok Sabha MP from Patliputra, visited the Danapur Sub-divisional hospital on Friday and raised questions over the encounter. Bharti met the grieving families and gathered details about the incident. Targeting the state government, she said that while the Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary claims to be committed to eradicating crime, the police are allegedly killing innocent people. Questioning the circumstances of the encounter, Misa Bharti demanded an impartial investigation, saying that the truth must come out and justice must be ensured for the families of the deceased. Meanwhile, tension prevailed at a hospital in Patna on Friday after the incident that triggered protests by their family members, who accused the police of staging a conspiracy and demanded an impartial investigation. The agitated relatives created a ruckus on the hospital premises and smashed the windows of several vehicles while questioning the police version of the encounter. They alleged that the police had deliberately killed the three men, saying that if the intention was merely to apprehend them, the personnel could have shot them in the legs instead of killing them. As the situation escalated, police personnel attempted to pacify the protesters, but their efforts failed. The police subsequently used mild force to disperse the crowd and clear the hospital premises. Ramashish Yadav, brother of one of the deceased, JP Yadav, also condemned the police action, alleging that his brother was killed in an unjustified operation. He said several questions remained unanswered in the police account and demanded an independent probe and action against the personnel involved. Patna City Superintendent of Police (Central) Chandra Prakash said action would be taken against those found responsible. The bodies of the three deceased have been sent to AIIMS Patna for post-mortem examinations. The investigation is underway, with police examining all aspects of the incident, Chandra Prakash added. Meanwhile, Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kartikeya Sharma said the Bihar Special Task Force (STF) and Patna Police had been conducting special operations to curb criminal activities. Acting on a tip-off about a group of criminals allegedly planning a major crime, a joint team conducted an operation in the jurisdiction of Maner police station on November 6. According to the SSP, the suspects opened fire as the police team approached them. One bullet reportedly grazed the uniform of the Maner Station House Officer (SHO). The police retaliated, injuring three suspects, who were subsequently rushed to a hospital and declared dead by doctors. Preliminary findings suggest that the suspects fired more than 24 rounds at the police team. Weapons were also recovered from the deceased, the SSP said. He added that all three had criminal records and were allegedly involved in a murder committed in Maner on the day of Durga Ashtami this year. Further legal proceedings are underway. The SSP said the post-mortem examinations would be conducted under full videographic recording to ensure transparency in the process.
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Blinkit delivery boy Habeeb assaulted over his name in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: A Blinkit delivery executive was allegedly assaulted by a group, including his warehouse manager, for having a Muslim name in Hyderabad. Habeeb Ansari from Banka district in Bihar has been living in the Golconda area for the last five years. He works as a delivery boy. On November 3, after delivering an order around Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Bihar CM directs 24-hour patrolling ahead of Diwali and Chhath
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 6 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Friday chaired a high-level review meeting through video conferencing from his official residence to assess law and order, security, cleanliness and other essential arrangements ahead of Diwali, Kali Puja and Chhath festivals. During the meeting, Choudhary said a large number of people from Bihar living in other states and abroad return home during the festive season. He stressed that they should experience a sense of security, happiness and positive change upon returning to their home state. He directed district administrations and police officials to remain highly vigilant and ensure that all necessary arrangements are completed on time. Everyone must remain alert and prepared for Diwali, Kali Puja and Chhath. Along with maintaining law and order, all necessary preparations must be completed on time. Chhath is the pride of Bihar and an important part of our cultural identity. Special attention must be paid to the convenience, safety and cleanliness of devotees, Choudhary said. He directed the deployment of adequate police personnel across the state and instructed officials to constitute Quick Response Teams (QRTs) in every district. He also ordered round-the-clock patrolling, particularly around railway stations and bus stands, and called for prompt action in case of any untoward incident. Emphasising cleanliness, Choudhary directed officials to ensure proper sanitation at railway stations, bus stands, public places and Chhath ghats. District Magistrates (DMs) were instructed to personally monitor these arrangements. He also stressed that Chhath ghats must have adequate security and facilities in accordance with prescribed standards, with local volunteers actively involved in the arrangements. Ensure the presence of local swimmers at Chhath ghats in villages. Electrical safety must be given the highest priority, and exposed live wires must not be used under any circumstances, he said. The Chief Minister also asked public representatives and officials to visit Dalit and Mahadalit settlements and celebrate festivals with residents to promote social harmony and communal brotherhood. He directed District Magistrates to hold regular meetings with public representatives and take their concerns and suggestions seriously. Choudhary further ordered the formation of Quick Response Teams at every level to deal with misleading information and fake news. He also directed officials to publicise the steps being taken to resolve public grievances and promote an appeal encouraging affluent households to voluntarily surrender the benefit of the 125-unit electricity subsidy. The Chief Minister also announced that he would begin visiting different districts after November 25. From November 16, regular reviews of development schemes will be conducted, with particular emphasis on their implementation and progress. He instructed District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police (SPs) to hold monthly meetings with industrialists to address their concerns, facilitate investment and generate employment opportunities. He also directed officials to expedite land acquisition for development projects and ensure that there were no unnecessary delays. During the meeting, Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit and Director General of Police (DGP) Preeta Verma briefed the Chief Minister on the law and order preparations.
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